Off-roader enthusiasts looking to tread a little more lightly on the enviroN·ment and nature are getting a new option. Jeep is electrifying its most recognizable model, the Wrangler.
The plug-in hybrid 2021 Wrangler 4xe has enough pure electric range—25 mi (40 km)—to handle most daily commutes and can deliver quieter and cleaner off-roading along with instant torque and vastly improved acceleration. It also gets Jeep’s “Trail Rated running gear,” with solid front and rear axles, full-time 4×4 two-speed transfer case, “fully articulating” suspension, and 30 in (760 mm) of water-fording capability.
Jeep just announced U.S. pricing of two Wrangler 4xe models, the Sahara starting at $47,995 and the Rubicon at $51,695, excluding the $7500 federal tax credit and any additional eligible state and local credits. Pricing on a third base 4xe model will follow. The 4xe models are identified by Electric Blue front and rear tow hooks, Rubicon name on the hood, Jeep and Trail Rated badges, and stitching on the seats and trim.
“The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is the greenest, most efficient, and capable Wrangler we have created yet,” said Christian Meunier, Global President, Jeep Brand, FCA. “We are committed to making Jeep the greenest SUV brand, and the new Wrangler 4xe is part of that goal, delivering an efficient, eco-friendly, and fun-to-drive experience both on- and off-road.”
The two launch editions feature total powertrain output of 375 hp (280 kW), 470 lb·ft (637 N·m), 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) acceleration of just 6 s, and a 17-kW·h battery pack for hours on trails with electric-only power. The vehicles, assembled at FCA’s Toledo, OH, Assembly Complex, are scheduled to start arriving at dealers in the first quarter of 2021 in the U.S., Europe, and China.
The most advanced powertrain ever developed for a Wrangler gets an estimated 50 mpg equivalent (MPGe). It integrates the electric portion, two electric motors and a 400-V battery pack, with a conventional powertrain, a turbocharged, 2.0-L four-cylinder engine with 270 hp (200 kW) and 295 lb·ft (400 N·m) and a TorqueFlite (ZF 8P75PH) eight-speed automatic transmission.
A high-voltage, liquid-cooled eTorque motor-generator unit on the front of the engine, replacing the conventional alternator. It provides 44 hp (33 kW) and 39 lb·ft (53 N·m) output, start-stop operation, and generates electricity for the battery pack. The 4xe does not use a conventional 12-V starter motor, but a 12-V battery runs accessories.
A second, more powerful high-voltage motor-generator mounted at the front of the transmission case provides pure electric operation and replaces the conventional torque converter. The integrated transmission traction motor produces peaks of 134 hp (100 kW) and 181 lb·ft (245 N·m). Two clutches manage power and torque from the e-motor and engine.
When the clutch between the ICE and electric motor is open, it enables electric-only mode. When the binary clutch is closed, torque from the 2.0-L engine and e-motor combine through the automatic transmission. A variable clutch mounted behind the e-motor manages engagement with the transmission to improve drivability and efficiency.
The 4xe’s 400-V, 17.3-kW·h, 96-cell lithium-ion pack uses NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) chemistry courtesy of Samsung SDI. The pack and controls mount under the second-row seat, which is redesigned to allow the bottom cushion to flip forward for battery access. Encased in an aluminum housing, the pack gets a dedicated heating and cooling circuit for optimum operating temperature.
Mounted in a protected steel structure under the battery pack is the hybrid system’s ICDM (integrated dual charging module), which combines a battery charger and a 2.5-kW DC/DC converter, and a next-generation PIM (power inverter module). All high-voltage electronics are waterproof to enable that 30 in water fording.
The electric charge port located on the front cowl of the 4xe includes LED indicators of charging status. An LED battery level monitor is also mounted on top of the instrument panel. The maximum charge rate is 7.2 kW.
The 4xe has three modes of E Selec operation via buttons mounted on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. Hybrid, the default mode, blends torque from the engine and motor, using battery power first, then adding in the engine when the battery reaches a minimum state-of-charge. Electric mode operates on electric power only until the battery reaches a minimum state-of-charge or the driver requests more torque, which engages the engine. The eSave mode prioritizes propulsion from the engine, saving the battery for later use such as EV off-roading or urban areas where ICE propulsion is restricted.
The 4xe’s driver information display and the Uconnect touchscreen feature Eco Coaching Pages so users can monitor power flow, see the impact of regenerative braking, schedule charging times to take advantage of lower electric rates, and view their driving history.
A key part of the 4xe’s eco-friendly equation is regenerative braking, with up to 0.25 g from the electric motors slowing the vehicle and augmented by traditional friction brakes. With 4×4 engaged, all four wheels feed torque for regenerative braking, maximizing energy recovery. A driver-selectable Max Regen feature enables a more assertive regenerative braking calibration when the vehicle detects zero throttle input from the driver during coasting.
All the electrification equipment adds up to a total vehicle mass from 5000 lb (2268 kg) for the base 4xe to 5222 lb (2369 kg) for the Rubicon.
Of course, the Wrangler is built for off-roading, which is enhanced by the powertrain electrification. The instantly available torque from the 4xe’s electric motor delivers more precise and controlled driving for climbing and crawling; there’s no need to build up engine rpm to get the tires to move, minimizing driveline shock. In EV mode, the 4xe treads lightly and silently, conserving fuel and allowing occupants to focus on the sights and sounds of nature.
The base and Sahara 4xe models get full-time 4×4 systems, front and rear Dana 44 axles, and a Selec-Trac two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. An available Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential provides extra grip and capability in low-traction situations.
The Rubicon 4xe gets the Rock-Trac 4×4 system that includes a two-speed transfer case with a 4:1 low-range gear ratio, full-time 4×4, front and rear next-generation Dana 44 axles, and Tru-Lok electric front- and rear-axle lockers. The Rubicon has an impressive crawl ratio of 77.2:1 and improved articulation and total suspension travel thanks to a front axle, electronic sway-bar disconnect.
Like every Wrangler, the 4xe models wear a Trail Rated badge that signifies ultimate Jeep 4×4 capabilities. Enabling equipment includes skid plates and front/rear tow hooks. Standard on the 4xe and Sahara 4xe are 20-in wheels with 275/55R20 Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza tires, but the Rubicon 4xe gets more aggressive, 17-in off-road wheels and 33-in 285/70R17 BF Goodrich KO2 All-Terrain tires. Ultimate off-road stats include for the Rubicon and base/Sahara models, respectively, are 43.8- and 42.2-degree approach angles, 22.5- and 22.0-degree breakover angles, 35.6- and 35.2-degree departure angles, and 10.8- and 10.1-in (274- and 256-mm) ground clearances.
However, all 4xe models maintain Wrangler’s ease of customization, with Jeep Performance Parts from Mopar available when the vehicle arrives in showrooms.
